CVE-2023-20273:Command Injection Vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Web UI Allows Root Privilege Escalation

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A critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-20273) exists in the web UI feature of Cisco IOS XE Software that allows authenticated remote attackers to inject operating system commands with root privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the web UI interface, enabling attackers to send crafted input that can execute commands on the underlying operating system with elevated privileges.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2023-20273) is classified as a CWE-78 (OS Command Injection) issue in Cisco IOS XE Software's web UI feature. The flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to bypass normal privilege restrictions and execute commands with root-level access on affected devices. The attack requires authentication to the web UI interface but can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability exists because the web UI feature fails to properly validate user input before passing it to the underlying operating system, allowing command injection attacks.

Remediation

  1. Update to the latest version of Cisco IOS XE Software that contains patches for this vulnerability.
  2. If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling the web UI feature until the update can be applied.
  3. Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the web UI interface.
  4. Monitor system logs for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.
  5. Follow Cisco's security best practices for device hardening.
  6. Refer to the Cisco Security Advisory (cisco-sa-iosxe-webui-privesc-j22SaA4z) for specific patch information and additional mitigation strategies.

References

  1. Cisco Security Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxe-webui-privesc-j22SaA4z
  2. MITRE CWE-78 (OS Command Injection): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/78.html
  3. National Vulnerability Database (NVD): https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-20273

Early Warning

Customers using Armis Early Warning were notified about this vulnerability before it appeared in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, enabling them to assess their exposure and act proactively. Armis offers these examples of CVEs already included in CISA KEV for potential customers. Click here to learn how to receive alerts earlier.

Armis Alert Date
Oct 22, 2023
CISA KEV Date
Oct 23, 2023
1day early

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Public Administration: Medium
    Public Administration
  2. Manufacturing: Medium
    Manufacturing
  3. Health Care & Social Assistance: Medium
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  4. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  5. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  6. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  7. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  9. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  10. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  11. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  12. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  13. Information: Low
    Information
  14. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  15. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  18. Construction: Low
    Construction
  19. Mining: Low
    Mining
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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